Doris A. Gauthier

Doris Alvina Gauthier, 82, of Harrisville, passed away Thursday, March 13, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Doris was born on December 9, 1925 in Black River Michigan, the fifth of six children born to Eugene and Lydia Gauthier. She graduated from Harrisville High School in 1943, and began working for Alcona County in the extension office in 1945. Doris was appointed Register of Deeds on August 14, 1963, replacing her sister and best friend, Inez Gean Matuzak, who had died on August 10th in childbirth. She was elected consecutively to the office and served the county in this capacity for the next 37 years, retiring on December 29, 2000. Doris was extremely active in her community and church, and had a great love and devotion to her family. She was a tireless worker and pledged many hours to community and volunteer work. She was a local historian, and wrote 13 books about the history of Alcona County that she self-published. Throughout the years, Doris spoke to many organizations and school groups throughout the area about her passion – the history of Alcona County. Doris was past president of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds, a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6466 Auxiliary of Harrisville, and past president of the Saginaw Diocese Council of Catholic Women. She served as president and auditor of the Gaylord Diocese Council of Catholic Women, past president of the Alcona Historical Society, past president of the Alcona County Chapter, Easter Seals, past president of the Pearl Henderson Fund and Secretary/Treasurer of the Casper Blumer Fund, and was also a news correspondent for the Bay City Times. She served on numerous boards and commissions throughout her life in the county. She also spent countless hours volunteering and advocating for senior citizens. Doris’ favorite saying was “Service is the rent you pay for occupying space on earth”. She dedicated herself to taking care of her family and others. She especially loved children and looked forward to visits from her many great nieces and nephews, all of which she thought was “great”. Doris is survived by one brother, Leonard (Mary Lou) Gauthier of Harrisville, and two sisters, Edna Hayes of Alpena and Trena Downie of Cheboygan as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her. She was preceded in death by her brother Larry Gauthier, and sister Inez Matuzak. She will be sadly missed. Ms. Gauthier is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where friends may call on Saturday, March 15, from 4pm until 8pm, and on Sunday, March 16, from 2pm until 8 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, March 17, at 11:00 am, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Harrisville, Rev. Peter Eke officiating. Burial will be in St. Anne Catholic Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alcona County Library or to St. Vincent DePaul, Mikado. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Doris A. Gauthier, please visit our flower store.